So we've all been suspecting this for a few months now, ever since we heard of Butch checking Phil's swing out at a couple of tournamentsearly on in the season. Apparently Philly Mick has left long-time teacher Rick Smith for legendary teacher Butch Harmon. Philly, Butch and Ricky all say it's a friendly separation, and that Phil only wanted to work with Butchy to get some help with his driving (his driving being what lost the U.S. Open for him last year). Isn't that the same as saying Rick can't do it, that he's not a good enough coach to get out of Phil what he needs? Is Phil looking to retool his swing, ala Tiger, or is he just looking for a few pointers, or another point of view?
My sense is that it's the latter, that all parties are essentially telling the truth when it comes to the "friendy separation" angle. I think Phil is too far along in his career to try tinkering too much with his swing. Some kind of major swing change could set him back a couple of years, and Phil hasn't got that much time left in him. He's said himself that he wants to keep going hard until 40 and then he doesn't know what he might do. Phil has always struck me as the kind of guy who
could take golf or leave it, so it wouldn't surprise me to see him all but quit competitive golf once he hits his 40's.
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